Cafardo doesn't mention what players the O's may target, but he says 3B Adrian Beltre of the Rangers "would be the perfect solution." Beltre, 35, is an elite defender and impact hitter who's having an excellent year for the last-place Rangers (.323/.377/.502 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs).

And, most important, the four-time All-Star has made it through waivers already.

But Cafardo thinks trading for Beltre may prove "too rich for Orioles ownership." Beltre has about $34 million coming to him over the next two years, and he likely would cost the Orioles an elite prospect like Dylan Bundy or Hunter Harvey.